NEWS
Georgia's Lionsgate theme park plans 'on hold indefinitely' after funding fails to materialise
POSTED 13 Dec 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
The Hunger Games franchise would have been used as an anchor for the multi-million dollar theme park project
Plans for a US$750m (€707m, £590m) Lionsgate theme park in Georgia, US, have collapsed after the project team failed to finance the multi-million dollar attraction.

First announced in March last year, the 700-acre (2.8sq km) Avatron development at Lake Allatoona near Atlanta has been put on hold "indefinitely”, according to the developers.

The plan had been to license Lionsgate IPs including The Hunger Games, Step Up, Divergent, Twilight and Now You See Me, with an opening date of 2019. The park proposal would have included rollercoasters and other rides based on the brands, with The Hunger Games – filmed primarily in Atlanta – anchoring the development.

A technology-driven experience was planned for the park, with promises of a 3D avatar to accompany each guest and immersive and interactive experiences including 3D video, motion capture, 4D sensory technologies, holograms, and augmented reality. Interactivity with RFID wristbands and Kinect sensors was also touted to “transform reality into an intriguing quest of characters, folklore and legends.”

“One of our key partners had to suspend its participation,” said a statement from Avatron CEO David Garrett III, indicating financing the project was the main stumbling block.

“While many would encourage us to look at this as simply a timing situation, we are of the shared belief that no more time can be given or pushed back. Therefore, the Avatron project is being placed on hold indefinitely.”

The failed project was part of Lionsgate’s plan to gain a stronger footing in the theme park market by licensing the Hunger Games and its other film franchises to under-development theme parks. These include a 22,000sq m (236,800sq ft) entertainment centre in Macau, the upcoming Motiongate Dubai and the seemingly failed Georgia project.
A technology-driven experience was planned for the park
RELATED STORIES
  Lionsgate uses Hunger Games to feed theme park ambitions


Film Studio Lionsgate is planning to gain a stronger footing in the theme park market by licensing its Hunger Games and other film franchises to under-development theme parks in Macau, Atlanta and Dubai.
  Hunger Games travelling exhibition makes debut in New York


Lionsgate’s travelling Hunger Games exhibition has hit the road, making its long-awaited debut at its first stop in New York City for a six-month run before going on tour across the US.
  Hunger Games confirmed for Motiongate Dubai as part of Lionsgate Zone


Following news that Lionsgate was “deep into conversation” with potential theme park partners on four different continents for a Hunger Games theme park, the team behind the upcoming AED10bn (US$2.7bn, €2.5bn, £1.8bn) Dubai Parks and Resorts development has confirmed Motiongate Dubai will include a Lionsgate Zone, featuring the popular IP.
  Lionsgate 'deep into conversation' over Hunger Games theme park


Plans for multiple Hunger Games theme parks have entered advanced stages, with franchise owner Lionsgate saying it is “deep into conversation” with potential theme-park partners on four different continents.
 


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13 Dec 2016

Georgia's Lionsgate theme park plans 'on hold indefinitely' after funding fails to materialise
BY Tom Anstey

The Hunger Games franchise would have been used as an anchor for the multi-million dollar theme park project

The Hunger Games franchise would have been used as an anchor for the multi-million dollar theme park project

Plans for a US$750m (€707m, £590m) Lionsgate theme park in Georgia, US, have collapsed after the project team failed to finance the multi-million dollar attraction.

First announced in March last year, the 700-acre (2.8sq km) Avatron development at Lake Allatoona near Atlanta has been put on hold "indefinitely”, according to the developers.

The plan had been to license Lionsgate IPs including The Hunger Games, Step Up, Divergent, Twilight and Now You See Me, with an opening date of 2019. The park proposal would have included rollercoasters and other rides based on the brands, with The Hunger Games – filmed primarily in Atlanta – anchoring the development.

A technology-driven experience was planned for the park, with promises of a 3D avatar to accompany each guest and immersive and interactive experiences including 3D video, motion capture, 4D sensory technologies, holograms, and augmented reality. Interactivity with RFID wristbands and Kinect sensors was also touted to “transform reality into an intriguing quest of characters, folklore and legends.”

“One of our key partners had to suspend its participation,” said a statement from Avatron CEO David Garrett III, indicating financing the project was the main stumbling block.

“While many would encourage us to look at this as simply a timing situation, we are of the shared belief that no more time can be given or pushed back. Therefore, the Avatron project is being placed on hold indefinitely.”

The failed project was part of Lionsgate’s plan to gain a stronger footing in the theme park market by licensing the Hunger Games and its other film franchises to under-development theme parks. These include a 22,000sq m (236,800sq ft) entertainment centre in Macau, the upcoming Motiongate Dubai and the seemingly failed Georgia project.



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